In David Mamet's book "The Handle and the Hold," the character Sam expresses that Americans are driven by three fundamental motivations. The first is love, often personified as a girl, representing personal relationships and romantic aspirations. The second motivation centers on self-preservation and individual interests, highlighting the instinct to protect oneself and one's life.
The third motivation is a noble cause, the desire to make a positive impact and help save the world. This perspective suggests that whether for love, self-interest, or altruism, the American spirit is characterized by a willingness to fight for what they care about deeply.